ECigarette Atomizer Ohms – What They Are and How They Affect Your Vaping Experience

What Are Atomizer Ohms? How Does Ohm Resistance Affect your Vaping Experience?

If you’re vaping an ecigarette personal vaporizer, there’s a good chance you have a tank or clearomizer that contains an atomizer that is replaceable when it burns out. There are many atomizer types of atomizers, but they all have Ohm resistance.

Some atomizers, like the Triton Tank System from Halo Cigshave top coils. Others, like the Endeavor from Apollo use a bottom coil. Most of the newer atomizers have coils that are built into the atomizer such as Vaporfi's Rocket3.

Unless you are a very heavy vaper, atomizers should last for a few months. When you order new ones, get to choose your ohm resistance level.

What is OHM Resistance?

All coils generate heat that is driven by the battery. The heat turns your e-liquid into a vapor, but some coils create more heat than others. Why? It’s because atomizer coils with Low Electrical Resistance (or Lower ohm numbers) create more heat and a warmer vapor. Those with High Resistance (or Higher ohm numbers) produce a cooler vapor.

How Does OHM Resistance Affect Your Vape?

The ohm rating contributes to your throat hit as well as the amount of vapor your ecig produces. Keep in mind that those features are also determined by your battery’s input voltage as well as your e-liquid’s PG/VG e-liquid ratio.

A low ohm coil is between 1.5 – 1.8ohms; a standard ohm coil is generally between 2.4 – 2.8ohms; and high ohm is anything 3.0ohms or more. SubOhm resistance is also available for advanced vaporizers.

People who love a nice throat hit go for the lower ohm resistance, but experimentation is the key since your vape depends on other factors too.

Main Features of An Atomizer with Lower OHMS

Your vapor with be hotter

You’ll get more of a throat hit

Your battery will lose it’s charge faster

You’ll burn up your e-liquid faster

You’ll get more unpleasant dry hits because you run down your e-liquid faster

Some flavors can taste better (or worse) depending on your e-juice

Main Features of an Atomizer with Higher OHMS

Your vapor with be cooler

You’ll get less of a throat hit

Your battery will hold it’s charge longer

Your e-liquid will last longer

Some flavors can taste weaker, but smoother depending on your e-juice

A good rule of thumb is that if you’re vaping with a lower battery input voltage (between 3.0 – 3.5) you can safely choose a lower ohm resistance.

On a standard eGo battery, the battery input voltage is usually between 3.3 and 3.7 volts so choose your atomizer’s ohms between (the very lowest) 1.5 and 3.4 ohms (the very highest).

For advanced vapers, there are vaporizers that accommodate sub-ohm atomizers and let you set either the wattage or the voltage. Halo Cigs' Reactor is an example of this advanced vaporizer. Yes, you get amazing flavor, and it can produce a lot more vapor, but off-the-chart vaping takes some know-how, it's not for everyone and it can be dangerous. We're seeing far fewer dual mode vaporizers these days as they are being replaced with TC (Temperature Conrol) devices.

Advanced Temperature Control TC Vaporizers for Sub-Ohm Vaping

Temperature control is now popular with advanced vapers who want to get the most out of sub-ohm vaping. In a nutshell, rather than setting the power (watts) of your vaporizer, you set a target temperature. The device automatically adjusts the power when you hit that limit so you don't burn your coils, your throat, or reach a heat level that produces the dreaded “formaldehyde hemiacetals“. In other words, you'll avoid those “dry hits” and you'll get better, safer performance.

You can buy a wide range of TC Vaporizers at DirectVapor, Vaporfi and Halo.

Here are 2 charts showing optimum ohm resistance for different battery voltage/watts. The first chart is for above-0 ohm resistance. The second is for sub-ohm vaping.

For Sub-Ohm coils (under 1 ohm) using a high powered vaporizer, begin by setting your wattage low, and adjust up to no higher than 27Watts. Vaping in the orange zone can cause dry hits and burn wicks.

What aboutDual Coil Atomizers?

The recent popularity of Dual coil atomizers makes things a bit more complicated since 1.8 ohm is the total resistance of two higher ohm coils cut in half. I know it sounds a bit backwards, but that how ohms work.Because there are now two coils, the total 1.8 ohm resistance will vape like a 2.0 – 2.5 ohm single coil atomizer.

If you are using duel coil atomizers, Variable Voltage Batteries are recommended by resellers. According to Apollo e-cigarettes who sells popular dual coil tanks from Kanger and Aspire, some eGo battery volts may be too low to power the coils.

Even with these basic guidelines, your e-liquid can also affect your vaping experience.

If you're using a higher wattage battery choose a lower ohm resistance. A high or Max VG e-liquid will perform better!

Related

Gary D

Gary D. has over 20 years experience with Fortune 500 corporations. A vaper since 2009, he has been an active supporter of Tobacco Harm Reduction and the vaping industry. You can check out his many ecig reviews here on CloudNineEcigReviews and at ECigarette News and Best E-Cigarette Guide.

He hopes you'll follow Cloud Nine ECig Reviews on Twitter and on Facebook for vaping discounts and special offers.

Hi I’m using a cool fire iv battery usually between 3.7V and 4.1V with 80/20 liquid. I recently started using 1.0 ohm coils but after a few puffs it just tastes burnt. Should I be using a different ohm coils for the voltage I’m using it at? Thanks

Hi Taylor,
The standard response is to start with your lowest wattage and work your way up. Of course you also have to start with a fresh atomizer since you’ve already burnt the one you’re using.

If your 80/20 is PG/VG you’re usually ok with a 1.0 atomizer, but the Cool Fire IV can only go as low as 3.7 Volts. With that low setting you can’t use anything lower than 2.28 Ohms (your atty is 1.0), and 6 Watts of power. Use a sub ohm atty and a high VG blend for best results. . Hope this helps!

Well, my own experience is quite reversed to what is said about coil and battery life. I use KangerTech e-smart (3.7V battery) and always use the same e-liquid. Coils of 1.8 ohm last way longer (about 4-5 days) but the flavour is horrible (like a water steam mixed with a smell of burned plastic). Battery lasts for 1.5 to 2 tanks. Coils of 2.5 ohm produce smooth flavour, pretty close to the real cigarette. But only for about 1 to 1.5 days. After that amount of vape drops down, flavour gets worse and battery has to be charged after about half of tank. The liquid turns into dark brown colour almost immediately after refill. Maximum total life time of 2.5 ohm coil is about 2.5 days.

I have a top box mini that I’m using SSOCC Nickel cools with a 0.15 ohm in temp control. My coils are burning up very quickly for some reason and I can’t figure out why. Anyone else have this issue or any suggestions?

I have a cool fire in plus 70 watts with a Aspire Atlantis tank running a 0.3 ohm use to be heavy smoker I’m trying to quit smoking and just vape. Need smoother taste and also want make sure I’m safe so should keep 0.3 ohm or get 0.5 ohm also open to other suggestions on what to do not really worried about battery life just smooth taste and safety I also run the vape at the full 70 watts and refill the fliud twice a day

Hi Darren,
The aerotank 2 uses a dual coil atomizer and is not designed for high wattage batteries. Because there are two coils, the total 1.5 ohm resistance will vape like a 2.0 – 2.5 ohm single coil atomizer. According to the chart you should keep your wattage below 8.46 not only for flavor but for safety! If you want to use a high watt battery and vape at over 8 watts you need a sub ohm atomizer.

I am running 22 Guage duals at 0.09 at 75-90 watts with a velocity. Air holes right open,thick wick,coils are right where they should be at the air holes but keep getting popping and spitting of juice. What is the one thing I need to do to stop it?

This is one of the toughest questions to answer as the reason can be related to sooo many things. Some experts think the spitting and popping is a sign of a less-than-perfect build. Try using less (or more cotton).

Dry hits mean you’re getting a burnt taste (not enough juice in the tank)…it has nothing to do with dry mouth :(!
Vaping can make you thirsty because propylene glycol PG potentially causes dehydration. I’ve got my sports bottle of H20 on hand throughout the day.

I’m pretty sure your problem is not with your ohms or watts. If your vape is too hot, don’t vape if your tank is nearly empty. Keep the level of e-liquid topped up to at least half. Also, try a high VG blend of at least 70%. This site (Cloudnineecigreviews.com) has some good recommendations for max VG brands.

Hi I have a kanger tech mega tank on a eleaf istick battery I’m wondering what’s the best coil size to use with this set up as I’m New to vaping and I keep burning my coils out I’ve just been getting the size that was in it when I got it which was 1.8 and I normally very my watts between8.0 and 9.5 but find I’m getting dry hits alot meaning my mouth goes very dry what am I doing wrong please help

Hi I have got a Kbox kengertec with a aspire Atlantis 2 I don’t know what coil to get as I like my big clouds of smoke but I don’t know what watt to use and what ohm coil to get please help !!! Explain it to me as I got 0.3 ohm in there on 20/25w that’s what o go between is that even right many thanks

It depends on which Kbox Kangertec you own. What is the model? Better still is to visit Kangeronline.com and find your Kbox model. Kanger lists the ohm support levels and wattage outputs, so that’s your safest bet. Hope this helps.

I am using a kangertech genitank with a vaporstorm v30 battery, it requires me to use it at 12.0w to get the vape I need and I have noticed that the resistance has gone from 1.80 to 1.84? Why has this happened, am I damaging my battery? Or burning out my coil too quickly? Only just started vaping and the whole thing confuses me

Check out our Pro Series3 review which has the magnetic drop in cartridge. The top coil is all part of the cart. You just replace the entire cartridge (for about $8) after about 15-18 loads or when your vape starts tasting a bit burnt.

That sounds like an excellent watt/ohm configuration. If your mix is 80PG/20VG you’ll get a pretty strong throat hit, but you should try 80VG/20PG for better vapor clouds. High VG e-juice is always recommended for sub-om vaping. You shouldn’t need much nicotine either with sub-ohm coils.

Hi, I am using a Kanger Subox Nano with a 1.5ohm coil and 50/50 vg pg e liguid, what would be the best wattage/voltage to use when vaping as I can barely taste any of my liquids and if i turn it up it simply is too warm a vape? HELP!

Hi Stacy,
Perhaps someone viewing your comment can add to mine…but since turning up the wattage doesn’t help, it may be your eliquid. Try a different flavor or brand. You can also increase your nicotine level. Best of luck!

Hi, I did start vaping 2.5 months ago, I was smoking 60 cigarettes a day so it was not and still not easy to quit. My question is about if I did get the right setup for vaping.
I have a joyetech eVic VT with the Ego One Mega tank and 2 Smok VCT Tank and vaping in VW (0.3ohms) and TC mode NI200 0.5 ohms. As a backup I have the Itaste VV 3.0 and the Iclear 30S tank

Did
I get the right equipment or should I get something else for vaping to compensate for my 60 smokes a day?
Thank you
Daniel Tremblay
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

I have an iStick TC40W, I can’t seem to find a happy balance. New to vaping using a Melo2 with 2.5 ohm coils, I’m ither getting no flavour or a burning flavour. I’m using a max VG juice. And I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong, some days vaping are better than others but I’m constantly playing with the wattage!! Help, how do I get constant flavour?!?

Hi Ryan – I’m glad you left a comment, because a TC vaporizer is an entirely different animal than a variable watt vaporizer; even one with 40W. The TC40W has 2 modes, one Temperature Control and one High Watt mode. TC mode MUST use either a Ni-200 Nickel Coil or TI Pure Titanium wire atomizer coil!!! If your Melo2 is like mine, it came with those coils, but the tank has the 0.3ohm installed. Change the mode to wattage mode immediately or change the coils to a NI or TI and continue to use the TC mode. Then install If you want to learn more check out this post on the iStick TC40W and TC Vaping. Good luck!

I am new to vaping and have God an IStick 20w and Kangertech Genitank. The coils were 1.8 oms an I was vaping at around 12 watts. But your table shows I should be at 5.7w for optimum vaping. I have not noticed the coils burning out or giving a burnt taste, but I was going through a lot of juice. The local supplier said he didn’t have 1.8 ohm coils left but I would be fine with 1.5 ohm coils. Is this correct and should I reduce my watts to 5.7?

Hi Elaine,
With a proper, regulated high wattage vaporizer that has built-in safety features, warning lights, ect., there is really nothing to fear at high wattages, although at 1.8 ohms I’m surprised your vape isn’t hot or harsh or that your mod didn’t give you a warning. If you are using a “mechanical” MOD you run the risk of explosion. High wattage vaping is geared to those who use very low or sub ohm atomizers, so the chart is correct.

Hi Bayani,
The “trigger” point- when it’s time to change your coil is usually when your vape starts to have a bitter or burnt taste. The time it takes to happen depends on your ohms, as lower ohms and dual coil attys tent to burn out much faster than higher ohm, single coil or top coil atomizers. I also recommend changing your atomizer regularly, (at least every 3-4 weeks with average to heavy vaping), even before you experience a burnt taste. You’ll get a richer more satisfying vape.
Thanks for commenting and happy vaping!

May I also add that being a semi-new vaper (since February this year) that this “burnt taste” will become more and more easy to be able to tell what it’s supposed to taste like and not the more you get into vaping. At first, for me, it was difficult to tell what “burnt vape” or “burnt cotton” taste was, but came more easy to notice over time ..
Just for you people out there still reading this.

Thank you for the helpful post by the way. I came across it to finalize my knowledge of how to balance good ohms, volts, watts and pg/vg content, which is what it’s all pretty much about. This tied it all into one. Very helpful. Thank you!

I might add that the “stick” type batteries sometimes do not put out enough volts (and you cannot tell where the watts are as they have no display) to get into the higher ohms which is why I got a small 30 watt box mod after I learned the basics on a vape stick. I put my Kangertech Protank 2 on it, and the 3 works well too. The dual coils of the ProTank 3 and the like, they become a problem when you want to use a 30 gauge wire to avoid snapping a coil from the wire being too thin and using a stick battery on top of it, which I would recommend not doing.
After you start off on something like the stick batteries (to see if you like to vape or not), I would highly recommend moving to a weaker mod box around 30 watts or less, like 20, which is the highest wattage I’ve ever gone (because of the silicone “grommets” that plug up the bottom of the attys so you can vape on them and they don’t leak will burn if you vape too high of a wattage) .

I’m vaping at 2.7 ohms right now, 10 wraps of 30 gauge kanthal on my 30 watt mod box set at 5.0 volts and 9.3 watts on a (single coil) ProTank 2 and it does have alot of a cooler feel and less of a throat hit which is exactly what you guys described. It does. Just a point of reference for you guys to come back to if you are reading this.
I used to smoke a pound of pipe tobacco no filter,a month for a short while and I had to stop so I moved to vaping and it works out VERY WELL .. .. ..

It’s strange because I found that with a high PG based eliquid formula using a nautilus mini with a 2.0 olm coil, I going through the juice really fast and getting a burnt taste , is this because PG base us thinner than VG ?? , I’ve had to turn the voltage down on my Aspire carbon battery to around 3.3 volts . With a more VG based formula I find I can have the Voltage higher at around 4.3 volts and the liquid lasts a little longer . This seems to conflict a bit with the article above , but I guess everyone has a different experience . Dies anyone else find PG can burn ??

You are correct and I have amended this post to clarify what I was experiencing. In 2014 I was using an early version of V2’s Pro Series3 vaporizer with a max VG eliquid. I was getting a burnt taste, so I tried V2’s own eliquid which is higher in PG and performed better. Since then, V2 has improved the Pro Series. I’ve tested several higher wattage PV’s like the VOXII that can even use sub-ohm resistance. Max VG is the way to go particularly when you use very low and sub-ohm atomizers. Thanks for commenting!

I have a 30 watt istick with Atlanta’s sub tank.need help with what size coils I need.1 ohm last longer but doesn’t put out the smoke or the taste like it does with the .5 ohms I don’t know why.So which Atomizer is made for my istick..5ohms burn out too soon!

Thanks for commenting Mike! Sub-Ohm vaping is in a class of its own and can be very tricky, even dangerous, but you probably know about that. My advice is to contact iStick since they are more expert at giving you the correct advice on the correct atomizer for your needs. I personally enjoy Vaporfi’s new 40Watt VOXII which is pretty foolproof if you’re looking for greater cloud production and customized flavor.
Good luck!

Hi Jesse,
There are so many 30 watt box mods, I recommend checking out the specifications from the manufacturer. The ad description on the page where you made your purchase may very well list the corresponding voltage to watts, so you can then use the chart on this page. For example it may say….
Operating Voltage: 3.0V – 7.5V
Operating Wattage: 6.0W – 40.0W

The manufacturer may also suggest a minimum ohm resistance. Some 30 watt box mods allow for atomizer resistances as low as 0.3 ohms.
Having said that…your choice of ohm resistance still depends on how you like your vape, either hot or cool 🙂

Thank you for taking the time to put all of this together! I want an optimal vape and have been confused when buying replacement coils. I’m using a KeCig 100+ with 3.7V battery. Kanger Aero Mega tank and have been using 1.8ohm coils. Looks like I’m at least safe…yet maybe not getting the best?

You’re well within the safety zone. If you prefer a hotter vape try a VV battery and up the voltage a bit. You’ll know right away if you get closer or further away from your “sweet spot”. Happy vaping!

Check out my brutally honest review of the SMOK FIT Pod Vape Kit. Here are the pros and cons of this popular refillable open pod vape pen.

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